MobLand Episode 6: Anson Boon Shines, But The Story Continues to Fall Apart!

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Note: This post reveals spoilers for MobLand season 1, episode 6, titled “Antwerp Blues.” As we’ve reached the midpoint of the series, it’s wise to catch up on some details. What’s our current location? Who met their end? And why is Pierce Brosnan’s character called “Conrad the Dread”? In essence, we haven’t moved to a new place, a few insignificant characters have perished, and I can’t say for certain about the nickname.

In Episode 6, there’s noticeable improvement compared to the previous one, but unfortunately, MobLand continues to meander without a clear direction. The narrative is present, yet it’s obscured by excess subplots that make it challenging to follow. For instance, what became of the rat? What happened after Archie’s body was discovered? Who is Jan’s (Joanne Froggatt) undercover ally? Who was the French man with Bella (Lara Pulver)? Why does Kevin’s (Paddy Considine) prison guard seem so cruel? And why must Maeve (Helen Mirren) explain the actions of Seraphina (Mandeep Dhillon) and Brendan (Daniel Betts) when I’m watching it unfold in real time?

MobLand Refuses To Get To The Meat Of Its Story

Cross-cutting Scenes Is An Intrusive And Useless Technique

In the series MobLand, characters often seem to act without considering the consequences, making their next move unpredictable. In this particular episode, Conrad admits to ordering the hit on Vron Stevenson, yet Maeve’s expression suggests she’s the real culprit. It remains a mystery as to why he continues to side with his wife, but in the grand scheme of things, it appears insignificant. As Harry (Tom Hardy) states, Vron is deceased and there’s no chance for redemption; this marks the beginning of war.

Disregarding the possibility that the current situation might have been foreseen as early as episode 2 with the demise of Tommy Stevenson (Felix Edwards), it’s at least beneficial to have some new leads now, right? Wrong. As the narrative gains momentum, and Brosnan delivers a compelling performance alongside Considine, who continues to be the standout character in MobLand, we unexpectedly shift gears once more. This episode focuses on Seraphina and Brendan’s diamond transaction.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that when different storylines aren’t linked thematically or structurally, it becomes challenging to follow the narrative flow. For instance, a conversation between Bella and Jan about their tough lives as mob wives is juxtaposed with Kevin and Harry debating Conrad’s empire’s stability. Unfortunately, these scenes seem disjointed and do not contribute significantly to the overall plot or character development.

In other words, they don’t add any depth to Bella and Jan’s complex relationship or reveal new insights about the Harrigans, beyond what we already know – that they were powerful and possibly aren’t anymore. The fast-paced editing doesn’t mask the fact that these scenes lack substance and action.

Anson Boon Is A Bright Spot In The Series

His Function In The Show And With Maeve Is Still A Mystery

As I delve deeper into the intriguing plot, I find myself trailing Seraphina and Brendan, who seem more like supporting characters unexpectedly thrust into the limelight. Conrad sends Harry, a character with minimal involvement in episode 6 titled “Antwerp Blues,” on a mission to fetch his children. Interestingly, Maeve tips off Richie about their whereabouts, even before he uncovers the fact that they’re not in hiding.

This is a tricky situation, Eddie (Anson Boon) understands if you don’t grasp it immediately. Maeve clarifies that Richie will let Seraphina die as a debt repayment for his losses. However, Richie must promise on their pinky that he won’t harm Brendan. Maeve tells her grandson that Richie won’t defy Maeve because he knows the extent of her power, like when she destroyed his wife – something that should be more than enough to instill fear in him.

I’ll call out Anson Boon. It’s hard to tell if he’s enjoying Maeve’s attention or regretting his role in the commotion, as his intentions shift according to what’s needed in “MobLand” at any given moment, but I must say, I truly appreciate it when he’s on-screen. There’s something peculiar about his vibe.

The Female Characters Are Much Too Similar In MobLand

We Barely Know Seraphina At This Point

Throughout the episode, there’s a dramatic scene of gunfire, but Harry unfortunately doesn’t participate. For much of the episode, Hardy’s face is hidden under a motorcycle helmet as he hastily gathers his siblings. It’s possible that he wasn’t even present during filming. The episode concludes with a nail-biting cliffhanger, and a gun is aimed at Seraphina, a character we’re only slightly acquainted with. What we do know about her is that she remains unfazed, much like many women in the criminal underworld depicted in this series.

In MobLand, it’s troubling that the female characters, Bella, Jan, and Seraphina, appear to be very similar and lack distinct personalities. On the other hand, Kevin, Harry, and Conrad each have unique characteristics. This is a shame, given that Froggatt is an exceptionally talented actress with multiple Golden Globe wins and Emmy nominations. Her talents deserve more depth and complexity in this series. It seems there’s a hidden narrative waiting to emerge, but with only four episodes remaining, time may be running out for the Harrigans.

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2025-05-04 10:09